Southeastern Anatolia's dried fruit exports increased by 15.6 percent

According to information compiled by an AA correspondent from the Southeastern Anatolia Exporters' Association (GAİB) data, Southeastern dried fruit and product exporters sent 24,024 tons of products to 88 countries and free zones in the first six months of 2025.

Exporters earned $ 174.53 million in revenue from these sales. The sector increased its $150.99 million exports in the first half of 2024 by 15.6 percent in value and 9.2 percent in quantity during the same period this year.

The sector, which earned the highest revenue from pistachios with $79 million 623 thousand, also earned $59 million 511 thousand from dried apricots and $10 million 670 thousand from dried figs.

The European Union saw the largest increase in dried fruit exports during this period. Exports to the EU, which saw its market share rise to 55.3 percent, increased by 37.6 percent from $70.166 million in the first half of last year to $96.577 million.

Exports to Italy increased by 96.6 percent

Exports to Italy , totaling $18.7 million in the first six months of 2024, increased by 96.6 percent to $36.8 million. This country was followed by Germany with $31.7 million and the United States with $21.7 million.

Demand is increasing day by day

Mehmet Çıkmaz, President of the Southeastern Anatolia Dried Fruits and Products Exporters' Association, told an AA correspondent that demand from Europe has increased recently .

Çıkmaz, noting that Turkish products continue to be in demand worldwide, commented: "Demand for products grown in Anatolia is increasing daily due to their wide variety and delicious flavor. Our exports to Italy have increased significantly in the last two years, and this year's figures reflect this once again. European countries are choosing us again. We are delighted that our products are finding the value they deserve in the international market. Our statistics are improving every year, and I believe they will rise even further by the end of the year."